Baripada: Communications to three gram panchayats in Similipal National Park were disrupted due to a landslide inside the wildlife sanctuary in Mayurbhanj district following incessant rainfall Sunday night triggered by a low-pressure.
The landslide occurred near the Mahubhandar village near the main road connecting Kalikaprasad with Gudugudia area in the wildlife sanctuary.
The total rainfall at various places in Similipal recorded during last 12 hours was 432.60mm, while the average is 24.03mm. Plying of four-wheelers to Gudgudia and Kalikaprasad area inside the wildlife sanctuary has been banned.
Also Read: Odisha’s Similipal Tiger Reserve to close for tourists from July 1 for monsoon: Official
State Forest and Environment Minister Ganesh Ram Singh Khuntia and Sai Kiran, deputy director, North Division of Similipal Tiger Reserve, visited the spot and took stock of the situation. The minister has directed all concerned officials to clear the area and resume travelling on the route.
Ambulances, fire brigade personnel and tourists taking a night halt in the wildlife sanctuary have been asked to take the Chahala route and return via Jashipur to safety.
PNN
